Changes

[[File:Richard Dawkins at Global Atheism Convention.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|250px|right|The Oxford University Professor [[Daniel Came]] wrote to the New Atheist [[Richard Dawkins]]:: "The absence of a debate with the foremost [[Christian apologetics|apologist]] for Christian [[theism]] is a glaring omission on your [[Curriculum vitae|CV]] and is of course apt to be interpreted as cowardice on your part."<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8511931/Richard-Dawkins-accused-of-cowardice-for-refusing-to-debate-existence-of-God.html Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God], ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'', May 14, 2011</ref>  ]]

[[File:Richard Dawkins at Global Atheism Convention.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|250px|right|The Oxford University Professor [[Daniel Came]] wrote to the New Atheist [[Richard Dawkins]]:: "The absence of a debate with the foremost [[Christian apologetics|apologist]] for Christian [[theism]] is a glaring omission on your [[Curriculum vitae|CV]] and is of course apt to be interpreted as cowardice on your part."<ref name="telegraph.co.uk">[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8511931/Richard-Dawkins-accused-of-cowardice-for-refusing-to-debate-existence-of-God.html Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God], ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'', May 14, 2011</ref>  ]]

As far as Christianity vs. atheism public debates, in recent years there have been a number of notable instances of atheists being reluctant to debate and doing poorly in debates (see: [[Christianity vs. atheism debates]]).  

As far as Christianity vs. atheism public debates, in recent years there have been a number of notable instances of atheists being reluctant to debate and doing poorly in debates (see: [[Christianity vs. atheism debates]]).  

The [[cowardice]] associated with [[atheism]] has become so obvious that it is making newspaper headlines.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/19/christian-pastor-atheists-debates/?test=latestnews Christian Philosopher William Lane Craig Is Ready to Debate, but Finds Few Challengers]</ref> <ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8511931/Richard-Dawkins-accused-of-cowardice-for-refusing-to-debate-existence-of-God.html Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God]</ref>  For example, on May of 2011, the [[UK]]'s ''The Daily Telegraph'' alluded to the cowardice of [[Richard Dawkins]] who flip-flops between being an [[agnosticism|agnostic]] and an atheist as far as his public persona (see: [[Richard Dawkins and agnosticism]]).<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/19/christian-pastor-atheists-debates/?test=latestnews Christian Philosopher William Lane Craig Is Ready to Debate, but Finds Few Challengers]</ref><ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8511931/Richard-Dawkins-accused-of-cowardice-for-refusing-to-debate-existence-of-God.html Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God]</ref>

The [[cowardice]] associated with [[atheism]] has become so obvious that it is making newspaper headlines.<ref name="foxnews.com">[http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/19/christian-pastor-atheists-debates/?test=latestnews Christian Philosopher William Lane Craig Is Ready to Debate, but Finds Few Challengers]</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8511931/Richard-Dawkins-accused-of-cowardice-for-refusing-to-debate-existence-of-God.html Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God]</ref>  For example, on May 2011, the [[UK]]'s ''The Daily Telegraph'' alluded to the cowardice of [[Richard Dawkins]] who flip-flops between being an [[agnosticism|agnostic]] and an atheist as far as his public persona (see: [[Richard Dawkins and agnosticism]]).<ref name="foxnews.com"/><ref name="ReferenceA"/>

== Atheist community is lacking in confidence ==

== Atheist community is lacking in confidence ==

[[Richard Dawkins]] is a [[New Atheism|new atheist]].

[[Richard Dawkins]] is a [[New Atheism|new atheist]].

Richard Dawkins has established a reputation [[Richard Dawkins and debate|for avoiding debates with his strongest opponents]]. On May 14, 2011, the [[Great Britain|British]] newspaper ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' published a news story entitled ''Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God''.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8511931/Richard-Dawkins-accused-of-cowardice-for-refusing-to-debate-existence-of-God.html Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God], ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'', May 14, 2011</ref>  

Richard Dawkins has established a reputation [[Richard Dawkins and debate|for avoiding debates with his strongest opponents]]. On May 14, 2011, the [[Great Britain|British]] newspaper ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' published a news story entitled ''Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God''.<ref name="telegraph.co.uk"/>  

In ''The Daily Telegraph'' article Dr. [[Daniel Came]], a member of the Faculty of [[Philosophy]] at Oxford University, was quoted as writing to fellow atheist Richard Dawkins concerning his refusal to debate Dr. [[William Lane Craig]]: "The absence of a debate with the foremost [[Christian apologetics|apologist]] for [[Christianity|Christian]] [[theism]] is a glaring omission on your [[Curriculum vitae|CV]] and is of course apt to be interpreted as cowardice on your part."<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8511931/Richard-Dawkins-accused-of-cowardice-for-refusing-to-debate-existence-of-God.html Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God], ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'', May 14, 2011</ref>   

In ''The Daily Telegraph'' article Dr. [[Daniel Came]], a member of the Faculty of [[Philosophy]] at Oxford University, was quoted as writing to fellow atheist Richard Dawkins concerning his refusal to debate Dr. [[William Lane Craig]]: "The absence of a debate with the foremost [[Christian apologetics|apologist]] for [[Christianity|Christian]] [[theism]] is a glaring omission on your [[Curriculum vitae|CV]] and is of course apt to be interpreted as cowardice on your part."<ref name="telegraph.co.uk"/>   

In October of 2011, Dr. Craig went to England and the Daily Telegraph declared that Dawkins is either a fool or a coward for his refusal to debate William Lane Craig plus declared that Dawkins is a "proud man" and a "coward" who puts on an "illiterate, angry schtick" for the public.<ref>[http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/timstanley/100112626/richard-dawkins-is-either-a-fool-or-a-coward-for-refusing-to-debate-william-lane-craig/ Richard Dawkins is either a fool or a coward for refusing to debate William Lane Craig - October 21, 2011 - ''The Daily Telegraph'']</ref>  In addition, [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] [[True Free Thinker|Mariano Grinbank]] called Dawkins a "cowardly clown" because Dawkins and other prominent atheists refused to debate [[Creation Ministries International]] at the 2010 Global Atheist Convention.<ref>[http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/richard-dawkins-cowardly-clown Richard Dawkins, the Cowardly Clown]</ref>

In October 2011, Dr. Craig went to England and the Daily Telegraph declared that Dawkins is either a fool or a coward for his refusal to debate William Lane Craig plus declared that Dawkins is a "proud man" and a "coward" who puts on an "illiterate, angry schtick" for the public.<ref>[http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/timstanley/100112626/richard-dawkins-is-either-a-fool-or-a-coward-for-refusing-to-debate-william-lane-craig/ Richard Dawkins is either a fool or a coward for refusing to debate William Lane Craig - October 21, 2011 - ''The Daily Telegraph'']</ref>  In addition, [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] [[True Free Thinker|Mariano Grinbank]] called Dawkins a "cowardly clown" because Dawkins and other prominent atheists refused to debate [[Creation Ministries International]] at the 2010 Global Atheist Convention.<ref>[http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/richard-dawkins-cowardly-clown Richard Dawkins, the Cowardly Clown]</ref>

[[File:Shmuley Boteach.jpg|thumbnail|130px|right|Shmuley Boteach

[[File:Shmuley Boteach.jpg|thumbnail|130px|right|Shmuley Boteach

 

<small>(see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:RebShmuley.jpg license agreement])</small> ]]

<small>(see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:RebShmuley.jpg license agreement])</small> ]]

Below are some resources relating to Dawkins refusal to debate various debate opponents:  

Below are some resources relating to Dawkins refusal to debate various debate opponents:  

''See also:'' [[Atheist conferences]]

''See also:'' [[Atheist conferences]]

In 2010, the prominent atheists who attended the 2010 global atheist conference, which included Richard Dawkins, were challenged to a debate by Creation Ministries International.<ref>http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/richard-dawkins-cowardly-clown</ref>  Richard Dawkins, [[PZ Myers]] and other prominent atheists/agnostics refused to debate the [[creation science|creation scientists]] at [[Creation Ministries International]].<ref>http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/richard-dawkins-cowardly-clown</ref>  Generally speaking, [[Creation scientists tend to win the creation vs. evolution debates|creation scientists tend to win the creation vs. evolution debates]].  

In 2010, the prominent atheists who attended the 2010 global atheist conference, which included Richard Dawkins, were challenged to a debate by Creation Ministries International.<ref name="truefreethinker.com">http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/richard-dawkins-cowardly-clown</ref>  Richard Dawkins, [[PZ Myers]] and other prominent atheists/agnostics refused to debate the [[creation science|creation scientists]] at [[Creation Ministries International]].<ref name="truefreethinker.com"/>  Generally speaking, [[creation scientists tend to win the creation vs. evolution debates]].  

PZ Myers also refuses to debate [[Vox Day]] on the existence of God or concerning evolution <ref>[http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/speaking-assiduous-absconders%E2%80%A6yet-again-vox-day-challenges-pz-myers-debate Speaking of Assiduous Absconders]</ref>

PZ Myers also refuses to debate [[Vox Day]] on the existence of God or concerning evolution <ref>[http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/speaking-assiduous-absconders%E2%80%A6yet-again-vox-day-challenges-pz-myers-debate Speaking of Assiduous Absconders]</ref>

== British Humanist Association ==

== British Humanist Association ==

[[File:Sam Harris 01.jpg|thumbnail|200px|left|[[Sam Harris]] once described [[William Lane Craig]] as “the one [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] who has put the fear of [[God]] into many of my fellow atheists”.<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/19/christian-pastor-atheists-debates</ref> ]]

[[File:Sam Harris 01.jpg|thumbnail|200px|left|[[Sam Harris]] once described [[William Lane Craig]] as “the one [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] who has put the fear of [[God]] into many of my fellow atheists”.<ref name="ReferenceB">http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/19/christian-pastor-atheists-debates</ref> ]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and Debate]] and [[Christian apologetics|Evidence for Christianity]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and Debate]] and [[Christian apologetics|Evidence for Christianity]]

Lane Craig, who is a professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, Calif., and author of 30 books and hundreds of scholarly articles, is no stranger to the art of debate and has taken on some of the great orators, such as famous atheists [[Christopher Hitchens]] and [[Sam Harris]]. Harris once described Craig as “the one [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] who has put the fear of God into many of my fellow atheists”.

Lane Craig, who is a professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, Calif., and author of 30 books and hundreds of scholarly articles, is no stranger to the art of debate and has taken on some of the great orators, such as famous atheists [[Christopher Hitchens]] and [[Sam Harris]]. Harris once described Craig as “the one [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] who has put the fear of God into many of my fellow atheists”.

Responding to Toynbee’s cancellation, Lane Craig commented: "These folks (atheists) can be very brave when they are alone at the podium and there's no one there to challenge them. But one of the great things about these debates is that, it allows both sides to be heard on a level playing field, and for the students in the audience to make up their own minds about where they think the truth lies."<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/19/christian-pastor-atheists-debates</ref>}}

Responding to Toynbee’s cancellation, Lane Craig commented: "These folks (atheists) can be very brave when they are alone at the podium and there's no one there to challenge them. But one of the great things about these debates is that, it allows both sides to be heard on a level playing field, and for the students in the audience to make up their own minds about where they think the truth lies."<ref name="ReferenceB">http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/19/christian-pastor-atheists-debates</ref>}}

On August 19, 2011, the leading British Anglican weekly newspaper the ''Church Times'' wrote:

On August 19, 2011, the leading British Anglican weekly newspaper the ''Church Times'' wrote:

See also:  [[Greg Bahnsen and debate]] and [[Greg Bahnsen vs. Gordon Stein debate]]

See also:  [[Greg Bahnsen and debate]] and [[Greg Bahnsen vs. Gordon Stein debate]]

[[Image:Bahnsen.jpg‎|thumb|150px|Dr. [[Greg Bahnsen]] became known as "the man atheists fear most" due to [[Michael Martin]]'s cancellation of their scheduled debate.<ref>[http://www.frame-poythress.org/frame_articles/Bahnsen.htm Bahsen at the Stein debate] by John Frame</ref><ref>[http://simpleapologetics.com/thegreatdebate.html The Great Debate: Greg Bahnsen vs Gordon Stein]</ref>]]

[[Image:Bahnsen.jpg‎|thumb|150px|Dr. [[Greg Bahnsen]] became known as "the man atheists fear most" due to [[Michael Martin]]'s cancellation of their scheduled debate.<ref>[http://www.frame-poythress.org/frame_articles/Bahnsen.htm Bahsen at the Stein debate] by John Frame</ref><ref name="simpleapologetics.com">[http://simpleapologetics.com/thegreatdebate.html The Great Debate: Greg Bahnsen vs Gordon Stein]</ref>]]

In 1985, [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] Dr. [[Greg Bahnsen]] and prominent proponent of atheism [[Gordon Stein]] had a debate at the University of California, Irvine regarding the positions of atheism and theism.  

In 1985, [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] Dr. [[Greg Bahnsen]] and prominent proponent of atheism [[Gordon Stein]] had a debate at the University of California, Irvine regarding the positions of atheism and theism.  

'''See also:''' [[Greg Bahnsen and debate]] and [[Press release concerning Michael Martin pulling out of Martin-Bahnsen debate|Bahnson-Martin debate press release]]

'''See also:''' [[Greg Bahnsen and debate]] and [[Press release concerning Michael Martin pulling out of Martin-Bahnsen debate|Bahnson-Martin debate press release]]

Dr. Greg Bahnsen became known as the "man atheists fear most".<ref>[http://simpleapologetics.com/thegreatdebate.html The Great Debate: Greg Bahnsen vs Gordon Stein]</ref>

Dr. Greg Bahnsen became known as the "man atheists fear most".<ref name="simpleapologetics.com"/>

This is because [[Harvard]]-educated [[Michael Martin|Dr. Michael Martin]] was scheduled to debate Bahnsen in 1994 but pulled out of the debate at the "eleventh hour" according to a press release at the time.<ref>[http://simpleapologetics.com/thegreatdebate.html The Great Debate: Greg Bahnsen vs Gordon Stein]</ref><ref>[http://trueforms.wordpress.com/2013/07/22/greg-bahnsen-vs-michael-martin-opening-remarks/ Greg Bahnsen vs. Michael Martin: The Debate That Never Was (1/2)]</ref>

This is because [[Harvard]]-educated [[Michael Martin|Dr. Michael Martin]] was scheduled to debate Bahnsen in 1994 but pulled out of the debate at the "eleventh hour" according to a press release at the time.<ref name="simpleapologetics.com"/><ref>[http://trueforms.wordpress.com/2013/07/22/greg-bahnsen-vs-michael-martin-opening-remarks/ Greg Bahnsen vs. Michael Martin: The Debate That Never Was (1/2)]</ref>

[[Press release concerning Michael Martin pulling out of Martin-Bahnsen debate|The press release at the time]] said that Dr. Martin offered ruses on why he pulled out and didn't want the scheduled debate recorded but the real reason was that "...Michael Martin is afraid that he will be publicly humiliated just as his friend and fellow atheist, Dr. Gordon Stein, was...".

[[Press release concerning Michael Martin pulling out of Martin-Bahnsen debate|The press release at the time]] said that Dr. Martin offered ruses on why he pulled out and didn't want the scheduled debate recorded but the real reason was that "...Michael Martin is afraid that he will be publicly humiliated just as his friend and fellow atheist, Dr. Gordon Stein, was...".

== PZ Myers refusal to debate Vox Day ==

== PZ Myers refusal to debate Vox Day ==

See also: [[Atheism and Debate]]

{{See also|Atheism and Debate}}

[[File:PzMyers2.jpg|thumbnail|201px|left|[[PZ Myers]]

[[File:PzMyers2.jpg|thumbnail|201px|left|[[PZ Myers]]

 

<small>(photo obtained from [http://www.flickr.com/photos/reuvenim/4426093513/ Flickr], see [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en  license agreement])</small> ]]

<small>(photo obtained from [http://www.flickr.com/photos/reuvenim/4426093513/ Flickr], see [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en  license agreement])</small> ]]

On September 4, 2011, [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] [[Vox Day]] wrote concerning the [[evolution|evolutionist]] and atheist [[PZ Myers]]:

On September 4, 2011, [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] [[Vox Day]] wrote concerning the [[evolution]]ist and atheist [[PZ Myers]]:

{{cquote|I have heard from numerous atheists who find his intellectual cowardice to be more than a little troubling given his usual tendency to create conflict rather than to avoid it. And he has handed an out to every single individual he ever hopes to challenge in the future. Why should they debate a nobody like him, a clown who isn't even a bigshot in his own field?

{{cquote|I have heard from numerous atheists who find his intellectual cowardice to be more than a little troubling given his usual tendency to create conflict rather than to avoid it. And he has handed an out to every single individual he ever hopes to challenge in the future. Why should they debate a nobody like him, a clown who isn't even a bigshot in his own field?

[[Creation science|Creation scientists]] tend to win the [[creation]] vs. [[evolution]] debates and many have been held since the 1970's particularly in the [[United States]]. Given the [[evolution|lack of evidence for the evolutionary paradigm]] and the [[creation science|abundant evidence for biblical creation]], this is not surprising.  

[[Creation science|Creation scientists]] tend to win the [[creation]] vs. [[evolution]] debates and many have been held since the 1970's particularly in the [[United States]]. Given the [[evolution|lack of evidence for the evolutionary paradigm]] and the [[creation science|abundant evidence for biblical creation]], this is not surprising.  

In August of 1979, [[Henry Morris|Dr. Henry Morris]] reported in an [[Institute for Creation Research]] letter the following: “By now, practically every leading evolutionary scientist in this country has declined one or more invitations to a scientific debate on creation/evolution.”<ref name="WWD" />

In August 1979, [[Henry Morris|Dr. Henry Morris]] reported in an [[Institute for Creation Research]] letter the following: “By now, practically every leading evolutionary scientist in this country has declined one or more invitations to a scientific debate on creation/evolution.”<ref name="WWD" />

Morris also said regarding the creation scientist [[Duane Gish]] (who had over 300 formal debates): “At least in our judgment and that of most in the audiences, he always wins.”<ref>[http://www.ankerberg.com/Articles/science/SC1200W1.htm Voices for evolution - John Ankerberg website]</ref>

Morris also said regarding the creation scientist [[Duane Gish]] (who had over 300 formal debates): “At least in our judgment and that of most in the audiences, he always wins.”<ref>[http://www.ankerberg.com/Articles/science/SC1200W1.htm Voices for evolution - John Ankerberg website]</ref>

Generally speaking, [[Atheism and Debate|leading evolutionists no longer debate creation scientists]] because creation scientists tend to win the debates.<ref>http://www.icr.org/article/811/</ref> In addition, the [[atheism|atheist]] and evolutionist [[Richard Dawkins]] has shown inconsistent and deceptive behavior [[Richard Dawkins' public refusal to debate creationists|concerning his refusal creation scientists]].  Evolutionists and atheists inconsistency concerning debating creationists was commented on by the [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologetic]] website [[True Free Thinker]] which declared: "Interestingly enough, having noted that since some atheists refuse to debate “creationists” but then go on to debate some of those people but not others, it is clear that they are, in reality, being selective and making excuses for absconding from difficulties..."<ref>http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/speaking-assiduous-absconders%E2%80%A6yet-again-vox-day-challenges-pz-myers-debate</ref>[[Image:2402173645 c8e6168fe7.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|200px|left|The [[atheism|atheist]] and evolutionist [[Richard Dawkins]] has shown inconsistent and deceptive behavior [[Richard Dawkins' public refusal to debate creationists|concerning his refusal creation scientists]].  ]]

Generally speaking, [[Atheism and Debate|leading evolutionists no longer debate creation scientists]] because creation scientists tend to win the debates.<ref>http://www.icr.org/article/811/</ref> In addition, the [[atheism|atheist]] and evolutionist [[Richard Dawkins]] has shown inconsistent and deceptive behavior [[Richard Dawkins' public refusal to debate creationists|concerning his refusal creation scientists]].  Evolutionists and atheists inconsistency concerning debating creationists was commented on by the [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologetic]] website [[True Free Thinker]] which declared: "Interestingly enough, having noted that since some atheists refuse to debate “creationists” but then go on to debate some of those people but not others, it is clear that they are, in reality, being selective and making excuses for absconding from difficulties..."<ref>http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/speaking-assiduous-absconders%E2%80%A6yet-again-vox-day-challenges-pz-myers-debate</ref>[[Image:2402173645 c8e6168fe7.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|200px|left|The [[atheism|atheist]] and evolutionist [[Richard Dawkins]] has shown inconsistent and deceptive behavior [[Richard Dawkins' public refusal to debate creationists|concerning his refusal creation scientists]].  ]]

''See also:'' [[Richard Dawkins and Islamophobia accusations]] and [[Atheism vs. Islam]]  

''See also:'' [[Richard Dawkins and Islamophobia accusations]] and [[Atheism vs. Islam]]  

[[File:Richard Dawkins in Australia.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|200px|right|[[Richard Dawkins]] is dismissive of the concept of [[Islamophobia]] and declared: "I’m always being accused of Islamophobia, that’s a non-word."<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/richard-dawkins-defends-ahmed-mohamed-comments-and-dismisses-islamophobia-as-a-non-word-10515389.html Richard Dawkins defends Ahmed Mohamed comments and dismisses Islamophobia as a 'non-word'], ''Independent'', 24 September 2015</ref> ]]

[[File:Richard Dawkins in Australia.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|200px|right|[[Richard Dawkins]] is dismissive of the concept of [[Islamophobia]] and declared: "I’m always being accused of Islamophobia, that’s a non-word."<ref name="independent.co.uk">[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/richard-dawkins-defends-ahmed-mohamed-comments-and-dismisses-islamophobia-as-a-non-word-10515389.html Richard Dawkins defends Ahmed Mohamed comments and dismisses Islamophobia as a 'non-word'], ''Independent'', 24 September 2015</ref> ]]

The [[New Atheism|New Atheists]] Richard Dawkins, [[Sam Harris]] and the late [[Christopher Hitchens]] have received multiple accusations of engaging in [[Islamophobia|Islamophobic]] behavior.<ref>

The [[New Atheism|New Atheists]] Richard Dawkins, [[Sam Harris]] and the late [[Christopher Hitchens]] have received multiple accusations of engaging in [[Islamophobia|Islamophobic]] behavior.<ref>

*[http://www.salon.com/2013/03/30/dawkins_harris_hitchens_new_atheists_flirt_with_islamophobia/ Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens: New Atheists flirt with Islamophobia] by Nathan Lean, ''Salon'', March 30, 2013

*[http://www.salon.com/2013/03/30/dawkins_harris_hitchens_new_atheists_flirt_with_islamophobia/ Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens: New Atheists flirt with Islamophobia] by Nathan Lean, ''Salon'', March 30, 2013

*[http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/apr/03/sam-harris-muslim-animus Sam Harris, the New Atheists, and anti-Muslim animus] by Glenn Greenwald, ''The Guardian'', April 3, 2013</ref> Dawkins is dismissive of the concept of Islamophobia and declared: "I’m always being accused of Islamophobia, that’s a non-word."<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/richard-dawkins-defends-ahmed-mohamed-comments-and-dismisses-islamophobia-as-a-non-word-10515389.html Richard Dawkins defends Ahmed Mohamed comments and dismisses Islamophobia as a 'non-word'], ''Independent'', 24 September 2015</ref>   

*[http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/apr/03/sam-harris-muslim-animus Sam Harris, the New Atheists, and anti-Muslim animus] by Glenn Greenwald, ''The Guardian'', April 3, 2013</ref> Dawkins is dismissive of the concept of Islamophobia and declared: "I’m always being accused of Islamophobia, that’s a non-word."<ref name="independent.co.uk"/>   

''Salon'' declared in an article entitled ''Richard Dawkins does it again: New Atheism’s Islamophobia problem'':

''Salon'' declared in an article entitled ''Richard Dawkins does it again: New Atheism’s Islamophobia problem'':

{{cquote|Meanwhile, Dawkins – a man for whom [http://skepchick.org/2013/03/pigs-fetuses-and-an-emotional-richard-dawkins/ Twitter does not seem to be a good medium] – has taken to spouting the sort of rhetoric that wouldn't seem out of place at a [[British Nationalist Party|BNP]] meeting. I'll be charitable, and suggest that his [https://twitter.com/mjrobbins/status/327004128171679745 swiftly-deleted retweet] of a link to a website that exposes the 'secret Islamist infiltration of the Obama administration' was a slip of the mouse. I'll also leave to one side his bizarre vendetta against [[Mehdi Hasan]], whose platform at New Statesman seems to be a [http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/apr/22/richard-dawkins-islamophobic source of great offense to the atheist].<ref>[http://www.theguardian.com/science/the-lay-scientist/2013/may/03/atheism-dawkins Richard Dawkins, 'Islamophobia' and the atheist movement], ''The Guardian'', 2015</ref>}}

{{cquote|Meanwhile, Dawkins – a man for whom [http://skepchick.org/2013/03/pigs-fetuses-and-an-emotional-richard-dawkins/ Twitter does not seem to be a good medium] – has taken to spouting the sort of rhetoric that wouldn't seem out of place at a [[British Nationalist Party|BNP]] meeting. I'll be charitable, and suggest that his [https://twitter.com/mjrobbins/status/327004128171679745 swiftly-deleted retweet] of a link to a website that exposes the 'secret Islamist infiltration of the Obama administration' was a slip of the mouse. I'll also leave to one side his bizarre vendetta against [[Mehdi Hasan]], whose platform at New Statesman seems to be a [http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/apr/22/richard-dawkins-islamophobic source of great offense to the atheist].<ref>[http://www.theguardian.com/science/the-lay-scientist/2013/may/03/atheism-dawkins Richard Dawkins, 'Islamophobia' and the atheist movement], ''The Guardian'', 2015</ref>}}

On the other hand, defenders of atheist criticisms of [[Islam]]/Muslims indicated that New Atheists should be able to criticize Islam without being accused of Islamophobia.<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/religion/2013/04/new-atheism-should-be-able-criticise-islam-without-being-accused-islamophobia New Atheism should be able to criticise Islam without being accused of Islamophobia] by Andrew Zak Williams, ''New Statesman'', Published 19 April, 2013</ref>

On the other hand, defenders of atheist criticisms of [[Islam]]/Muslims indicated that New Atheists should be able to criticize Islam without being accused of Islamophobia.<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/religion/2013/04/new-atheism-should-be-able-criticise-islam-without-being-accused-islamophobia New Atheism should be able to criticise Islam without being accused of Islamophobia] by Andrew Zak Williams, ''New Statesman'', Published 19 April 2013</ref>

== Atheist Penn Jillette's ducking debates with Christians ==

== Atheist Penn Jillette's ducking debates with Christians ==

The [[Brights Movement]] was started in 2003 by Paul Geisert and Mynga Futrell in 2003 in order to assist in the advocacy of a [[Naturalism|naturalistic worldview]].<ref>http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2843/is_2_28/ai_114090211/pg_1</ref><ref>http://www.the-brights.net/vision/faq.html#1</ref> The Brights movement had a media campaign and was announced in ''Wired'' magazine (by Richard Dawkins), ''Free Inquiry'' (by Richard Dawkins), and on the ''[[New York Times]]'' op-ed page (by the philosopher and atheist [[Daniel Dennett]]).

The [[Brights Movement]] was started in 2003 by Paul Geisert and Mynga Futrell in 2003 in order to assist in the advocacy of a [[Naturalism|naturalistic worldview]].<ref>http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2843/is_2_28/ai_114090211/pg_1</ref><ref>http://www.the-brights.net/vision/faq.html#1</ref> The Brights movement had a media campaign and was announced in ''Wired'' magazine (by Richard Dawkins), ''Free Inquiry'' (by Richard Dawkins), and on the ''[[New York Times]]'' op-ed page (by the philosopher and atheist [[Daniel Dennett]]).

Well known skeptics and atheists are listed as "Enthusiastic Brights" at the Brights Movement website.<ref>http://www.the-brights.net/people/enthusiastic/index.html</ref>  Examples of individuals listed as Brights are notable skeptics/atheists such as [[Richard Dawkins]], [[Penn Jillette]], [[Daniel Dennett]], Margaret Downy, [[James Randi]], Mel Lipman, Bobbie Kirkhart, Herb Silverman, [[Michael Shermer]], Matt Cherry, and Babu Gogineni.<ref>http://www.the-brights.net/people/enthusiastic/index.html</ref>

Well known skeptics and atheists are listed as "Enthusiastic Brights" at the Brights Movement website.<ref name="the-brights.net">http://www.the-brights.net/people/enthusiastic/index.html</ref>  Examples of individuals listed as Brights are notable skeptics/atheists such as [[Richard Dawkins]], [[Penn Jillette]], [[Daniel Dennett]], Margaret Downy, [[James Randi]], Mel Lipman, Bobbie Kirkhart, Herb Silverman, [[Michael Shermer]], Matt Cherry, and Babu Gogineni.<ref name="the-brights.net"/>

On September 26, 2011, the popular Christian YouTube video maker [[Shockofgod]], who has over 18,000 subscribers, challenged atheist Penn Jillette to a debate.[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgHt7Wt3KMc VIDEO].  The debate challenge focuses on the [http://creation.com/15-questions 15 questions that evolutionists cannot satisfactorily answer].

On September 26, 2011, the popular Christian YouTube video maker [[Shockofgod]], who has over 18,000 subscribers, challenged atheist Penn Jillette to a debate.[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgHt7Wt3KMc VIDEO].  The debate challenge focuses on the [http://creation.com/15-questions 15 questions that evolutionists cannot satisfactorily answer].

On September 3, 2012, [[Shockofgod]] challenged Jillette to debate the question "Does God exist?" a second time.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-jLe7ONFrQ Christian turn Penn Jillette into a chicken]</ref>   

On September 3, 2012, [[Shockofgod]] challenged Jillette to debate the question "Does God exist?" a second time.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-jLe7ONFrQ Christian turn Penn Jillette into a chicken]</ref>   

[[Shockofgod]] points out that although Penn Jillette is an "enthusiastic bright", the website of the Brights Movement has plunging web traffic according to Compete.com.<ref>[http://siteanalytics.compete.com/the-brights.net/ Bright Movement website - Compete]</ref>. Shockofgod quipped that it appears as if his prediction that atheism will go from "a squeak to half a squeak in American society" due to the [[Question evolution! campaign]] is being fullfilled faster than he expected. The video with the prediction is located on YouTube [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbmAn3M8r0I HERE].

[[Shockofgod]] points out that although Penn Jillette is an "enthusiastic bright", the website of the Brights Movement has plunging web traffic according to Compete.com.<ref>[http://siteanalytics.compete.com/the-brights.net/ Bright Movement website - Compete]</ref>  Shockofgod quipped that it appears as if his prediction that atheism will go from "a squeak to half a squeak in American society" due to the [[Question evolution! campaign]] is being fullfilled faster than he expected. The video with the prediction is located on YouTube [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbmAn3M8r0I HERE].

==== Shockofgod fans taunt to Penn Jillette ====

==== Shockofgod fans taunt to Penn Jillette ====

Shockofgod fan: "Come on Penn, you even WANT people to debate because our opinions on the existence of God are too important to keep private!"[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgHt7Wt3KMc]

Shockofgod fan: "Come on Penn, you even WANT people to debate because our opinions on the existence of God are too important to keep private!"[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgHt7Wt3KMc]

=== Debate challenge from Christian apologist Sye Ten Bruggencate ===  

=== Debate challenge from Christian apologist Sye Ten Bruggencate ===

''See also:'' [[Sye Ten Bruggencate's debate challenge to atheist Penn Jillette]]

''See also:'' [[Sye Ten Bruggencate's debate challenge to atheist Penn Jillette]]

== Vox Day on secular leftists reluctance to debate and on their historical revisionism ==

== Vox Day on secular leftists reluctance to debate and on their historical revisionism ==

[[File: Voroshilov, Molotov, Stalin, with Nikolai Yezhov.jpg|right|225px]]

[[File: Voroshilov, Molotov, Stalin, with Nikolai Yezhov.jpg|right|225px]]

[[File: The Commissar Vanishes 2.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|Nikolai Yezhov walking with [[Joseph Stalin]] in the top photo taken in the mid 1930s. Subsequent to his execution in 1940, Yezhov was edited out of the photo by Soviet Union censors.<ref>[http://www.newseum.org/berlinwall/commissar_vanishes/vanishes.htm The Commissar Vanishes</ref>]]

[[File: The Commissar Vanishes 2.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|Nikolai Yezhov walking with [[Joseph Stalin]] in the top photo taken in the mid 1930s. Subsequent to his execution in 1940, Yezhov was edited out of the photo by Soviet Union censors.<ref>[http://www.newseum.org/berlinwall/commissar_vanishes/vanishes.htm The Commissar Vanishes]</ref>]]

Vox Day wrote about [[secular left|secular leftists]] and [[leftism|leftists]] in general:

Vox Day wrote about [[secular left]]ists and [[leftism|leftists]] in general:

{{cquote|Regardless of whether it is...[[Richard Dawkins]], [[PZ Myers]], or the vast and corpulent mass of [[feminism|feminists]], the Left has an observable tendency to shun debate.  They assert many different reasons for doing so, but the truth is always revealed by their seemingly contradictory willingness to debate the incompetent and the overmatched....

{{cquote|Regardless of whether it is...[[Richard Dawkins]], [[PZ Myers]], or the vast and corpulent mass of [[feminism|feminists]], the Left has an observable tendency to shun debate.  They assert many different reasons for doing so, but the truth is always revealed by their seemingly contradictory willingness to debate the incompetent and the overmatched....

Why?  Because they have no choice.  Being false, their positions have to be dynamic, which means they can never hope for any significant degree of consistency.  This is why ex post facto revision and double-talk are the hallmarks of the Left, and is why the first thing Leftists do when they are in a position of power is to erase history and attempt to silence any voices capable of calling attention to their fictions and contradictions.<ref>[http://voxday.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-distaste-for-debate.html The distaste for debate], Theodore Beale</ref>}}

Why?  Because they have no choice.  Being false, their positions have to be dynamic, which means they can never hope for any significant degree of consistency.  This is why ex post facto revision and double-talk are the hallmarks of the Left, and is why the first thing Leftists do when they are in a position of power is to erase history and attempt to silence any voices capable of calling attention to their fictions and contradictions.<ref>[http://voxday.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-distaste-for-debate.html The distaste for debate], Theodore Beale</ref>}}

See also: [[Atheism and historical revisionism]]

{{See also|Atheism and historical revisionism}}

== Atheists, debates and critical thinking ==

== Atheists, debates and critical thinking ==

''See also:'' [[Reddit atheism]]

''See also:'' [[Reddit atheism]]

In May of 2013, Policymic published an article on [[Reddit atheism]] entitled ''Reddit Users: Why Atheist Redditors Are Stuck On the Internet'' which declared that Reddit atheists are reluctant to proclaim their atheism offline.<ref>[http://www.policymic.com/articles/41797/reddit-users-why-atheist-redditors-are-stuck-on-the-internet  ''Reddit Users: Why Atheist Redditors Are Stuck On the Internet'']</ref>

In May 2013, Policymic published an article on [[Reddit atheism]] entitled ''Reddit Users: Why Atheist Redditors Are Stuck On the Internet'' which declared that Reddit atheists are reluctant to proclaim their atheism offline.<ref name="policymic.com">[http://www.policymic.com/articles/41797/reddit-users-why-atheist-redditors-are-stuck-on-the-internet  ''Reddit Users: Why Atheist Redditors Are Stuck On the Internet'']</ref>

The  Policymic article declared:

The  Policymic article declared:

{{cquote|Are we to make cowards out of Reddit’s atheists for the discrepancy between the prevalence of real life and internet proclamations of godlessness? Maybe, as the world’s loudest atheist, Richard Dawkins, first bemoaned in his TED talk, “Atheists do not want to be impolite … Can we stop being so damned polite?” Or, as R/atheist stalwart with the username “blackstar9000” explained in a very thoughtful post on the state of the atheist subreddit, “Many of the users are just recently converted, who fear being ostracized by people the religious people who make up their support system.”<ref>[http://www.policymic.com/articles/41797/reddit-users-why-atheist-redditors-are-stuck-on-the-internet  ''Reddit Users: Why Atheist Redditors Are Stuck On the Internet'']</ref>}}

{{cquote|Are we to make cowards out of Reddit’s atheists for the discrepancy between the prevalence of real life and internet proclamations of godlessness? Maybe, as the world’s loudest atheist, Richard Dawkins, first bemoaned in his TED talk, “Atheists do not want to be impolite … Can we stop being so damned polite?” Or, as R/atheist stalwart with the username “blackstar9000” explained in a very thoughtful post on the state of the atheist subreddit, “Many of the users are just recently converted, who fear being ostracized by people the religious people who make up their support system.”<ref name="policymic.com">[http://www.policymic.com/articles/41797/reddit-users-why-atheist-redditors-are-stuck-on-the-internet  ''Reddit Users: Why Atheist Redditors Are Stuck On the Internet'']</ref>}}

Beginning in the 1980s and accelerating in 2011 and beyond, atheism, [[agnosticism]] and [[evolution|Darwinism]] have developed a reputation of cowardice. See: and [[Creation scientists tend to win the creation vs. evolution debates]] and [[Instances of Richard Dawkins ducking debates]]

Beginning in the 1980s and accelerating in 2011 and beyond, atheism, [[agnosticism]] and [[evolution|Darwinism]] have developed a reputation of cowardice. See: and [[Creation scientists tend to win the creation vs. evolution debates]] and [[Instances of Richard Dawkins ducking debates]]

=== A United States study indicated that very religious people fear death the least ===

=== A United States study indicated that very religious people fear death the least ===

According to a study performed in the United States by researchers Wink and Scott, it was found that very religious people feared death the least.<ref>[http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/050628_deathfearfrm.htm Fear of death: worst if you’re a little religious?], World of Science]</ref><ref>J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2005, Jul;60(4):P207-14. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15980288 Does religiousness buffer against the fear of death and dying in late adulthood? Findings from a longitudinal study]. Wink P1, Scott J.</ref> In addition, the researcher Wen found that the more religious you are, the less you will fear death.<ref> Wen, Y. (2010). [[http://www.hraljournal.com/Page/4%20Ya-Hui%20Wen.pdf Religiosity and death anxiety]. The Journal of Human Resource and Adult Learning, 6(2), 31-37.</ref>

According to a study performed in the United States by researchers Wink and Scott, it was found that very religious people feared death the least.<ref>[http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/050628_deathfearfrm.htm Fear of death: worst if you’re a little religious?], World of Science]</ref><ref>J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2005, Jul;60(4):P207-14. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15980288 Does religiousness buffer against the fear of death and dying in late adulthood? Findings from a longitudinal study]. Wink P1, Scott J.</ref> In addition, the researcher Wen found that the more religious you are, the less you will fear death.<ref>Wen, Y. (2010). [http://www.hraljournal.com/Page/4%20Ya-Hui%20Wen.pdf Religiosity and death anxiety]. The Journal of Human Resource and Adult Learning, 6(2), 31-37.</ref>

King [[Solomon]] declared in the Book Of Proverbs: "The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion." (Proverbs 28:1).

King [[Solomon]] declared in the Book Of Proverbs: "The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion." (Proverbs 28:1).

== Secular leftist Swedes and the Muslim rapists epidemic in their country ==

== Secular leftist Swedes and the Muslim rapists epidemic in their country ==

[[File:Flag of Sweden.png|thumbnail|200px|left|The ''International Business Times'' reported in 2014: "Sweden has the highest rate of rape in Europe, with the UN reporting 69 rape cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2011."<ref>[http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/top-5-countries-highest-rates-rape-1434355 Top 5 Countries with the Highest Rates of Rape] By Ludovica Iaccino,  ''International Business Times'', January 29, 2014 16:34 GMT</ref> See also: [[Atheism and rape]] ]]  

[[File:Flag of Sweden.png|thumbnail|200px|left|The ''International Business Times'' reported in 2014: "Sweden has the highest rate of rape in Europe, with the UN reporting 69 rape cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2011."<ref name="ibtimes.co.uk">[http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/top-5-countries-highest-rates-rape-1434355 Top 5 Countries with the Highest Rates of Rape] By Ludovica Iaccino,  ''International Business Times'', January 29, 2014 16:34 GMT</ref> See also: [[Atheism and rape]] ]]  

''See also:'' [[Atheistic Sweden and rape]] and [[Atheism vs. Islam]] and [[Atheism and rape]]

''See also:'' [[Atheistic Sweden and rape]] and [[Atheism vs. Islam]] and [[Atheism and rape]]

"According to rape crisis advocates in Sweden, one-third of Swedish women have been sexually assaulted by the time they leave their teens. According to a study published in 2003, and other later studies through 2009, Sweden has the highest sexual assault rate in Europe, and among the lowest conviction rates," Wolf wrote.

"According to rape crisis advocates in Sweden, one-third of Swedish women have been sexually assaulted by the time they leave their teens. According to a study published in 2003, and other later studies through 2009, Sweden has the highest sexual assault rate in Europe, and among the lowest conviction rates," Wolf wrote.

A 2010 Amnesty report said: "In Sweden, according to official crime statistics, the number of reported rapes has quadrupled during the past 20 years. In 2008, there were just over 4,000 rapes of people over 15, the great majority of them girls and women."<ref>[http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/top-5-countries-highest-rates-rape-1434355 Top 5 Countries with the Highest Rates of Rape] By Ludovica Iaccino,  ''International Business Times'', January 29, 2014 16:34 GMT</ref>}}

A 2010 Amnesty report said: "In Sweden, according to official crime statistics, the number of reported rapes has quadrupled during the past 20 years. In 2008, there were just over 4,000 rapes of people over 15, the great majority of them girls and women."<ref name="ibtimes.co.uk">[http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/top-5-countries-highest-rates-rape-1434355 Top 5 Countries with the Highest Rates of Rape] By Ludovica Iaccino,  ''International Business Times'', January 29, 2014 16:34 GMT</ref>}}

[[India]]'s  Maneka Gandhi, who is the Indian Union Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development, said when comparing India's rape rate to Sweden's: “We have four rapes per 100,000 women, while Sweden has more than 130."<ref>[http://www.thelocal.se/20150524/worse-rape-problem-in-sweden-than-india-says-indian-minister 'Rape worse in Sweden than India', says Gandhi], ''The Local SE'', Published: 24 May 2015</ref>

[[India]]'s  Maneka Gandhi, who is the Indian Union Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development, said when comparing India's rape rate to Sweden's: “We have four rapes per 100,000 women, while Sweden has more than 130."<ref>[http://www.thelocal.se/20150524/worse-rape-problem-in-sweden-than-india-says-indian-minister 'Rape worse in Sweden than India', says Gandhi], ''The Local SE'', Published: 24 May 2015</ref>

Now, next door to Sweden, Norway recently expelled almost a thousand Muslim immigrants for serious crimes, and behold!  The violent crime rate dropped by 30% in Norway.  Amazing but true.<ref>[http://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2015/03/muslim_sacralized_rape_and_feminized_sweden.html Muslim Sacralized rape and feminized Sweden]</ref>}}

Now, next door to Sweden, Norway recently expelled almost a thousand Muslim immigrants for serious crimes, and behold!  The violent crime rate dropped by 30% in Norway.  Amazing but true.<ref>[http://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2015/03/muslim_sacralized_rape_and_feminized_sweden.html Muslim Sacralized rape and feminized Sweden]</ref>}}

[[Secular left|Secular leftists]] Swedes have been too cowardly to confront the [[Islam|Muslim]] community in their country and put an end to the rape epidemic.  

[[Secular left]]ists Swedes have been too cowardly to confront the [[Islam|Muslim]] community in their country and put an end to the rape epidemic.  

See also:

See also:

[[Category:Atheism]]

[[Category:Atheism]]

[[category:Richard Dawkins]]

[[Category:Richard Dawkins]]

[[Category: Morality]]

[[Category:Morality]]